Hyundai's "Urban Adventurer" Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept Revealed in Detroit
Hyundai Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept is company's take on sport truck concepts, which was just unveiled at NAIAS. It is a completely new interpretation of truck utility aimed at the drivers in the city areas. This means that the design of the Santa Cruz includes more attributes in comparison to the traditional pickups. And yes, the concept vehicle is more expressive, efficient and maneuverable. Or to say it this way: Santa Cruz is for the growing population who sees and pursues the world differently. It combines the traditional attributes of a small CUV, but adds those characteristics needed for the "Urban Adventures".
The designers of the car have featured at the front upright and hexagonal grille with cascading lines framing the sides, dual lens-free, honeycombed headlamp projectors, and prominent LED fog lamps. The sides of the CUV are highlighted by oversized wheels, Michelin tires with a special tread design, center-locking hubs and yellow Brembo brake calipers.
The rear seats can be accessed easily with rear-hinged rear doors which integrate seamlessly with the front door design. At the back, the concept presents highly-contoured bed forms and can be reconfigured for longer cargo.
One of the key characteristics of this CUV is the efficiency. The powertrain is the 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit which produces 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 407 Nm (300 lb.-ft.) of torque, but it is capable of achieving fuel economy in the high 30 mpg range. Santa Cruz is also equipped with the HTRAC All-wheel drive system.
For those who need even more cargo room, there is this innovative tailgate extension which allows the bed length to be expanded whenever needed. When fully extended, Santa Cruz's bed length is similar to a mid-size pickup.
All in all, Hyundai's Santa Cruz Crossover Truck Concept is intended to attract CUV and sedan buyers who are looking for greater utility, without the compromises that the traditional trucks often demand.
Source: Hyundai
